“If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.”
HG Wells
We are delighted that all our Reception children have now officially started school! It was wonderful seeing so many of you at ‘Meet the Teacher’ this week. If you missed the session, you can find the presentation slides on your child’s class page on our website.
Attendance & Punctuality
We had another strong week of children coming to school every day with an overall attendance of 97.5%.
In terms of individual classes, well done to Y2 with 98.8% and Y3 with 98.7%!
Y2 & Y3 were awarded the early birds for being at school on time.
A reminder that research consistently shows that attendance dropping below 90% significantly reduces a child’s academic success. Primary school provides the vital foundation for all future learning—the core developmental milestones missed through occasional days off simply cannot be replaced. We appreciate your continued support in helping your children arrive on time and ready to learn every day.
Dates for this half term
- Black History Month Celebration – Friday 16th October
- Flu Immunisation in school – Friday 23rd October
- Secondary Transfer deadline -Saturday 31st October. Parents are encouraged to arrange to speak to Mrs Goll to talk through options – please contact the school office to arrange a time.
PiP Fundraising
A massive thank you to the whole school community for raising an astonishing £14,288 last year! Every lolly bought, item donated, token and raffle ticket has added up to a huge amount which will fund next year’s drama productions and other activities which can only happen thanks to PiP funds.
We will have another big target for the 2026/27 year ahead so planning has already started!
• We’d love new members to the PiP organising committee and the wider PiP group who help with events. It’s fun and a great way to support the community. Get in touch with your year group PiP rep.
• Regular Giving is the easiest way to support the school and creates really valuable reliable income. £5 per month adds up to a big impact so please consider setting up a monthly donation via this link.
Regular Giving
If parents, family or friends are able to support the school regularly, please set up a regular donation with gift aid via our regular giving scheme on the link below. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a big difference.
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/29543#!/DonationDetails
Christian Vision
Toward love and good deeds
At the heart of our school are high expectations and depth in faith that inspire us to grow, flourish and work together to achieve our full potential. It is our intention that we all develop our fullest sense of self, both individually and collectively.
Hebrews 10: 24
In the quiet wilderness of Midian, Moses was going about his daily work when he noticed something remarkable—a bush burning with bright flames that were not in fact burning the bush. Moses took time to look closely at the bush and stopped to listen to the voice that came from it. This reminds us of the deep care we encourage daily in our school. Care begins when we slow down and truly notice one another and take the time to listen or guide.
When from the bush God called Moses to lead his people, he was filled with doubt. He felt unprepared, small, and unsure of his own voice, yet he chose to take that daunting step forward anyway. This part of the story speaks directly to the courage we aim to build across our school community. True courage is about stepping up when things feel difficult – from tackling a tricky new subject in class to standing up for what is right.
Moses quickly realised that he was never expected to carry this heavy responsibility on his own. God knew that his brother, Aaron, could walk alongside him, lend his strengths, and speak by his side. Their partnership highlights the power of co-operation. Just as Moses and Aaron achieved together what neither could do alone, our school thrives when children, staff, and families work hand in hand, sharing our unique gifts to support one another.
As we move through this term, we will remind our children to keep their eyes open for those quiet “burning bush” moments in their own lives. We will teach them how to show care through paying attention to others; how to find the courage to face new challenges; and how to choose to co-operate as a team. We want our school to be a warm, flourishing community where every child feels valued and ready to shine.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
NEWS FROM HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
We have a lot coming up in the next few weeks at Holy Trinity Church!
Sunday 18th October: Harvest Festival and Pet Blessing – 9.30am Mass. Bring along non-perishable items for the local foodbank, and all pets are welcome to come to be blessed and celebrated!
Holy Trinity Choir: We are looking to recruit new members for this fun group who sing once a month at Holy Trinity Church, as well as at the amazing Carol Service. No previous experience necessary.
Youth Alpha; For children in Year 5 and Year 6 (and above) will begin on Tuesday 6th October at 4.30pm in the Hall. The sessions explore faith and include games and cooking, they last around 1 hour. For more information contact Fr Felix at frfelixtrimbos@gmail.com
Save the Holy Trinity Organ: The Holy Trinity pipe organ is in urgent need of restoration. This will cost around £45000. The church receives no outside funding and so we are looking to raise money to restore this instrument which has introduced generations of Holy Trinity Pupils to the wonders of organ music. You can ‘sponsor a pipe’ for £20 here: https://givealittle.co/c/45Dru2yGkwbNywapN3IHu3
OPAL update
So much wonderful play has taken place this week in our playground, as the photos below demonstrate! We have seen obstacle courses, wellness spas and shops created completely by the children; cross year group collaborative play and den making; football, basketball, trampolining and chasing games; performances on the stage; messy play in the (new and improved) mud, sand and water area; and nature explorations around the playground looking for bugs! A lovely, joyful week of OPAL!
OPAL Parent’s Meeting – postponed
Please note that the OPAL parent meeting has been postponed. We will let you know the new date once it is confirmed.
If you are interested in reading more about our approach to play, you can access our play policy here.
We are currently fundraising for wheeled items for our forthcoming “Wheely days!” on Monday and Friday lunch times. We would like to purchase some good quality scooters and bikes for the children in a range of sizes. If you are able to donate any amount towards our OPAL fund, big or small, please click here. If you have any second hand bikes or scooters that you’d like to donate, please leave them in or by the blue OPAL donations bin outside the church hall. Many thanks for supporting our children’s wonderful play!
The Holy Trinity Way
At HTSS, we teach children positive habits of attention through Super Listeners (KS1) and STAR Listeners (KS2). By supporting them to practice how to listen and pay attention, we support to develop positive learning behaviours for life. Ask your child at home what they know about being a Super or STAR listener!
Occasional Places
On occasion we have spaces in which to welcome new children and families to our school. You are the ones that know us best, so if you know of any family looking for a school place, please do advise them to contact the school office to find out if we have any places. They are also very welcome to visit.
Class Pages
Class teachers have updated class pages with information about the new school year. Please click on the links below to visit your child’s class page. Keep an eye on the class blog for photos too.
- Reception – parents, look out for information from Ms See about accessing Tapestry.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
Camden Music Service
From Y1 onwards, you can sign your child up to learn an instrument in school. For more information and to download the Camden Music Service application form, please click here.
Church & Community Centre Calendar and Events
Community Kitchen for Local Families
Family Kitchen at Home
For families with children aged between 2-11 years old. A four week healthy cooking programme for families providing opportunities for further cooking techniques and to cook and eat healthy meals together. Families who register will get £30 food e-vouchers towards ingredients for the recipes. To register your interest, please click here
Family support
We highly recommend the free counselling service for parents through Camden. You can find out more and register your interest via this leaflet.
Supporting your neuro diverse child
Emotional Wellbeing Website for Young People and Families
NCL Waiting Room was produced with the help and input of young people, families and professionals. It aims to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for information on specialist mental health services, community groups, emotional wellbeing and self-care resources.
It allows young people and their parents or carers to search for, filter and share resources based on their needs and preferences.
You can visit the website here and try out the Support Hub resource navigation feature here.
Other Community Initiatives
For the newsletter from Castlehaven
Dear Parents/ Carers,
This is a link to RSVP to the horticultural club garden party at Castlehaven community centre, for those who are interested.
The event takes place at the Castlehaven community centre (just across the school) next Saturday 19th September and it is free.
Learn to cycle this term: https://www.bikeability.org.uk/
Camden Library
Camden Library Activities
We highly recommend these. Click here for the catalogue.
Term dates for 2026 – 2027
| First day of autumn term 1 | Friday 4th September (INSET days Wednesday 2nd & Thursday 3rd) |
| Half term | Monday 26th October to Friday 30th October |
| First day of autumn term 2 | Monday 2nd November |
| Last day of autumn term 2 | Friday 18th December |
| INSET DAY | Monday 4th January 2027 |
| First day of spring term 1 | Tuesday 5th January |
| Half term | Monday 15th – Friday 19th February |
| First day of spring term 2 | Monday 22nd February |
| Last day of spring term 2 | Thursday 25th March |
| INSET DAY | Monday 12th April |
| First day of summer term 1 | Tuesday 13th April |
| Half term | Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June |
| INSET DAY | Monday 7th June |
| First day of summer term 2 | Tuesday 8nd June |
| Last day of summer term 2 | Wednesday 21st July |